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Search Results (837)

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9 pages, 417 KiB  
Article
Minimally Invasive Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass as Palliative Revascularization in High-Risk Patients
by Magdalena Rufa, Adrian Ursulescu, Samir Ahad, Ragi Nagib, Marc Albert, Rafael Ayala, Nora Göbel, Tunjay Shavahatli, Mihnea Ghinescu, Ulrich Franke and Bartosz Rylski
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(8), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15080147 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: In high-risk and frail patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MV CAD), guidelines indicated complete revascularization with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) bears a high morbidity and mortality risk. In cases where catheter interventions were deemed unsuitable and conventional [...] Read more.
Background: In high-risk and frail patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MV CAD), guidelines indicated complete revascularization with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) bears a high morbidity and mortality risk. In cases where catheter interventions were deemed unsuitable and conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) posed an unacceptable perioperative risk, patients were scheduled for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting or minimally invasive multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG). We called this approach “palliative revascularization.” This study assesses the safety and impact of palliative revascularization on clinical outcomes and overall survival. Methods: A consecutive series of 57 patients undergoing MIDCAB or MICS-CABG as a palliative surgery between 2008 and 2018 was included. The decision for palliative surgery was met in heart team after carefully assessing each case. The patients underwent single or double-vessel revascularization using the left internal thoracic artery and rarely radial artery/saphenous vein segments, both endoscopically harvested. Inpatient data could be completed for all 57 patients. The mean follow-up interval was 4.2 ± 3.7 years, with a follow-up rate of 91.2%. Results: Mean patient age was 79.7 ± 7.4 years. Overall, 46 patients (80.7%) were male, 26 (45.6%) had a history of atrial fibrillation and 25 (43.9%) of chronic kidney disease. In total, 13 patients exhibited a moderate EuroSCORE II, while 27 were classified as high risk, with a EuroSCORE II exceeding 5%. Additionally, 40 patients (70.2%) presented with three-vessel disease, 17 (29.8%) suffered an acute myocardial infarction within three weeks prior to surgery and 50.9% presented an impaired ejection fraction. There were 48 MIDCAB and nine MICS CABG with no conversions either to sternotomy or to CPB. Eight cases were planned as hybrid procedures and only 15 patients (26.3%) were completely revascularized. During the first 30 days, four patients (7%) died. A myocardial infarction occurred in only one case, no patient necessitated immediate reoperation. The one-, three- and five-year survival rates were 83%, 67% and 61%, respectively. Conclusions: MIDCAB and MICS CABG can be successfully conducted as less invasive palliative surgery in high-risk multimorbid patients with MV CAD. The early and mid-term results were better than predicted. A higher rate of hybrid procedures could improve long-term outcome in selected cases. Full article
15 pages, 1361 KiB  
Article
Radiomics with Clinical Data and [18F]FDG-PET for Differentiating Between Infected and Non-Infected Intracavitary Vascular (Endo)Grafts: A Proof-of-Concept Study
by Gijs D. van Praagh, Francine Vos, Stijn Legtenberg, Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker, Ilse J. E. Kouijzer, Erik H. J. G. Aarntzen, Jean-Paul P. M. de Vries, Riemer H. J. A. Slart, Lejla Alic, Bhanu Sinha and Ben R. Saleem
Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1944; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151944 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Objective: We evaluated the feasibility of a machine-learning (ML) model based on clinical features and radiomics from [18F]FDG PET/CT images to differentiate between infected and non-infected intracavitary vascular grafts and endografts (iVGEI). Methods: Three ML models were developed: one based on [...] Read more.
Objective: We evaluated the feasibility of a machine-learning (ML) model based on clinical features and radiomics from [18F]FDG PET/CT images to differentiate between infected and non-infected intracavitary vascular grafts and endografts (iVGEI). Methods: Three ML models were developed: one based on pre-treatment criteria to diagnose a vascular graft infection (“MAGIC-light features”), another using radiomics features from diagnostic [18F]FDG-PET scans, and a third combining both datasets. The training set included 92 patients (72 iVGEI-positive, 20 iVGEI-negative), and the external test set included 20 iVGEI-positive and 12 iVGEI-negative patients. The abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in the PET/CT scans were automatically segmented using SEQUOIA and TotalSegmentator and manually adjusted, extracting 96 radiomics features. The best-performing models for the MAGIC-light features and PET-radiomics features were selected from 343 unique models. Most relevant features were combined to test three final models using ROC analysis, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: The combined model achieved the highest AUC in the test set (mean ± SD: 0.91 ± 0.02) compared with the MAGIC-light-only model (0.85 ± 0.06) and the PET-radiomics model (0.73 ± 0.03). The combined model also achieved a higher accuracy (0.91 vs. 0.82) than the diagnosis based on all the MAGIC criteria and a comparable sensitivity and specificity (0.70 and 1.00 vs. 0.76 and 0.92, respectively) while providing diagnostic information at the initial presentation. The AUC for the combined model was significantly higher than the PET-radiomics model (p = 0.02 in the bootstrap test), while other comparisons were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential of ML models in supporting diagnostic decision making for iVGEI. A combined model using pre-treatment clinical features and PET-radiomics features showed high diagnostic performance and specificity, potentially reducing overtreatment and enhancing patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence-Driven Radiomics in Medical Diagnosis)
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20 pages, 313 KiB  
Review
Ophthalmological Complications of Aesthetic Medicine Procedures: A Narrative Review
by Lucía De-Pablo-Gómez-de-Liaño, Fernando Ly-Yang, Bárbara Burgos-Blasco and José Ignacio Fernández-Vigo
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5399; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155399 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 212
Abstract
Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, autologous fat grafting, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, are increasingly popular worldwide due to their convenience and aesthetic benefits. While generally considered safe, these procedures can result [...] Read more.
Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, autologous fat grafting, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, are increasingly popular worldwide due to their convenience and aesthetic benefits. While generally considered safe, these procedures can result in rare but serious ophthalmological complications. The most catastrophic adverse events include central retinal artery occlusion and ischemic optic neuropathy, which may lead to irreversible vision loss. Other complications include diplopia, ptosis, dry eye, and orbital cellulitis, with varying degrees of severity and reversibility. Awareness of potential ocular risks, appropriate patient selection, and adherence to safe injection techniques are crucial for preventing complications. This narrative review summarizes the incidence, mechanisms, clinical features, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of ocular complications associated with aesthetic medical procedures. A narrative literature review was conducted, emphasizing data from clinical studies, case series, and expert consensus published between 2015 and 2025. Special attention is given to anatomical danger zones, the pathophysiological pathways of filler embolization, and the roles of hyaluronidase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute management. Although many complications are self-limited or reversible, prompt recognition and intervention are critical to prevent permanent sequelae. The increasing prevalence of these procedures demands enhanced education, informed consent, and interdisciplinary collaboration between aesthetic providers and ophthalmologists. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)
16 pages, 957 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Blood Transfusion Indexed to Patient Blood Volume on 5-Year Mortality After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting—An EuroSCORE II Adjusted Spline Regression Analysis
by Joseph Kletzer, Maximilian Kreibich, Martin Czerny, Tim Berger, Albi Fagu, Laurin Micek, Ulrich Franke, Matthias Eschenhagen, Tau S. Hartikainen, Mirjam Wild and Dalibor Bockelmann
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(8), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12080287 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 312
Abstract
Background: While timely blood transfusion is critical for restoring oxygen-carrying capacity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), allogeneic blood product transfusions are independently associated with increased long-term mortality, necessitating a risk-stratified approach to balance oxygen delivery against immunological complications and infection risks. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: While timely blood transfusion is critical for restoring oxygen-carrying capacity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), allogeneic blood product transfusions are independently associated with increased long-term mortality, necessitating a risk-stratified approach to balance oxygen delivery against immunological complications and infection risks. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 3376 patients undergoing isolated CABG between 2005 and 2023 at a single tertiary center. Patients who died during their perioperative hospital stay within 30 days were excluded. Transfusion burden was assessed both as the absolute number of blood product units (packed red blood cells, platelet transfusion, fresh frozen plasma) and as a percentage of calculated patient blood volume. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 5 years. Flexible Cox regression with penalized smoothing splines, adjusted for EuroSCORE II, was used to model dose–response relationships. Results: From our cohort of 3376 patients, a total of 137 patients (4.05%) received >10 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) perioperatively. These patients were older (median 71 vs. 68 years, p < 0.001), more often female (29% vs. 15%, p < 0.001), and had higher preoperative risk (EuroSCORE II: 2.53 vs. 1.41, p < 0.001). After 5 years, mortality was 42% in the massive transfusion group versus 10% in controls. Spline regression revealed an exponential increase in mortality with transfused units: 14 units yielded a 1.5-fold higher hazard of death (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.31–1.64), rising to HR 2.71 (95% CI 2.12–3.47) at 30 units. When transfusion was indexed to blood volume, this relationship became linear and more tightly correlated with mortality, with lower maximum hazard ratios and narrower confidence intervals. Conclusions: Indexing transfusion burden to the percentage of patient blood volume replaced provides a more accurate and clinically actionable predictor of 5-year mortality after CABG than absolute unit counts. Our findings support a shift toward individualized, volume-based transfusion strategies to optimize patient outcomes and resource stewardship in a time of limited availability of blood products. Full article
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21 pages, 3365 KiB  
Article
Integrating Regenerative Medicine in Chronic Wound Management: A Single-Center Experience
by Stefania-Mihaela Riza, Andrei-Ludovic Porosnicu, Patricia-Alina Cepi, Sorin Viorel Parasca and Ruxandra-Diana Sinescu
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081827 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 298
Abstract
Background: Chronic wounds represent a persistent clinical challenge and impose a considerable burden on healthcare systems. These lesions often require multidisciplinary management due to underlying factors such as microbial colonization, impaired immunity, and vascular insufficiencies. Regenerative therapies, particularly autologous approaches, have emerged [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic wounds represent a persistent clinical challenge and impose a considerable burden on healthcare systems. These lesions often require multidisciplinary management due to underlying factors such as microbial colonization, impaired immunity, and vascular insufficiencies. Regenerative therapies, particularly autologous approaches, have emerged as promising strategies to enhance wound healing. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may improve outcomes through paracrine effects and growth factor release. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 31 patients with chronic wounds that were unresponsive to conservative treatment for over six weeks. Clinical and photographic evaluations were employed to monitor healing. All patients underwent surgical debridement, with adjunctive interventions—negative pressure wound therapy, grafting, or flaps—applied as needed. PRP infiltration and/or autologous adipose tissue transfer were administered based on wound characteristics. Wound area reduction was the primary outcome measure. Results: The cohort included 17 males and 14 females (mean age: 59 years). Etiologies included venous insufficiency (39%), diabetes mellitus (25%), arterial insufficiency (16%), and trauma (16%). Most lesions (84%) were located on the lower limbs. All patients received PRP therapy; five underwent combined PRP and fat grafting. Over the study period, 64% of the patients exhibited >80% wound area reduction, with complete healing in 48.3% and a mean healing time of 49 days. Conclusions: PRP therapy proved to be a safe, effective, and adaptable treatment, promoting substantial healing in chronic wounds. Autologous adipose tissue transfer did not confer additional benefit. PRP may warrant inclusion in national treatment protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wound Healing: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches)
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21 pages, 310 KiB  
Review
Multiple Arterial Grafting in CABG: Outcomes, Concerns, and Controversies
by Shahzad G. Raja
J. Vasc. Dis. 2025, 4(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/jvd4030029 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 198
Abstract
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has evolved into a cornerstone treatment for coronary artery disease, with graft selection playing a critical role in long-term outcomes. Multiple arterial grafting (MAG) represents a significant advancement over single arterial grafting, utilizing conduits such as the internal [...] Read more.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has evolved into a cornerstone treatment for coronary artery disease, with graft selection playing a critical role in long-term outcomes. Multiple arterial grafting (MAG) represents a significant advancement over single arterial grafting, utilizing conduits such as the internal thoracic artery and radial artery to enhance graft durability and patient survival. This review examines the outcomes, challenges, and controversies associated with MAG, highlighting its superior patency rates and reduced need for repeat revascularization procedures. While the technique provides long-term survival benefits, concerns such as the complexity of surgical techniques, increased operative time, and higher resource utilization underscore the importance of surgeon expertise and institutional infrastructure. Patient selection remains critical, as factors like age, comorbidities, and gender influence outcomes and highlight disparities in access to MAG. Emerging evidence addresses debates regarding optimal graft choice and balancing long-term benefits against short-term risks. Future directions focus on ongoing clinical trials, innovations in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted CABG, and technological advancements aimed at improving graft patency. Professional guidelines and best practices underscore the need for personalized approaches to optimize MAG’s potential. This article underscores the promise of MAG in redefining CABG care, paving the way for enhanced patient outcomes and broadened applicability. This article highlights the promise of MAG in transforming CABG care, leading to improved patient outcomes and expanded applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Diseases)
16 pages, 1360 KiB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the BeGraft Peripheral and BeGraft Peripheral PLUS Outcomes as Bridging Covered Stents in Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair
by George Apostolidis, Petroula Nana, José I. Torrealba, Giuseppe Panuccio, Athanasios Katsargyris and Tilo Kölbel
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5221; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155221 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 215
Abstract
Background/Objective: Bridging stent optimal choice in fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (f/bEVAR) is under investigation. This systematic review and meta-analysis studied the outcomes of the BeGraft peripheral and peripheral PLUS as bridging stents in f/bEVAR. Methods: The methodology was pre-registered [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Bridging stent optimal choice in fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (f/bEVAR) is under investigation. This systematic review and meta-analysis studied the outcomes of the BeGraft peripheral and peripheral PLUS as bridging stents in f/bEVAR. Methods: The methodology was pre-registered to the PROSPERO (CRD420251007695). Following the PRISMA guidelines and PICO model, the PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for observational studies and randomized control trials, in English, from 2015 to 2025, reporting on f/bEVAR patients using the second-generation BeGraft peripheral or the BeGraft peripheral PLUS balloon expandable covered stent (BECS; Bentley InnoMed, Hechingen, Germany) for bridging. The ROBINS-I assessed the risk of bias and GRADE the quality of evidence. Target vessel technical success, occlusion/stenosis, endoleak Ic/IIIc, reintervention and instability during follow-up were primary outcomes, assessed using proportional meta-analysis. Results: Among 1266 studies, eight were included (1986 target vessels; 1791 bridged via BeGraft); all retrospective, except one. The ROBINS-I showed that seven were at serious risk of bias. According to GRADE, the quality of evidence was “very low” for primary outcomes. Target vessel technical success was 99% (95% CI 98–100%; I2 = 12%). The mean follow-up was 20.2 months. Target-vessel instability was 3% (95% CI 2–5%; I2 = 44%), occlusion/stenosis was 1% (95% CI 1–4%; I2 = 8%) and endoleak Ic/IIIc was 1% (95% CI 0–3%; I2 = 0%). The estimated target-vessel reintervention was 2% (95% CI 2–4%; I2 = 12%). Celiac trunk, superior mesenteric and renal artery instability were 1% (95% CI 0–16%; I2 = 0%;), 1% (95% CI 0–5%; I2 = 14%) and 4% (95% CI 2–7%; I2 = 40%), respectively. Conclusions: The BeGraft peripheral and peripheral PLUS BECS performed with high technical success and low instability when used for bridging in f/bEVAR. Cautious interpretation is required due to the very low quality of evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery: Second Edition)
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23 pages, 1464 KiB  
Article
Immunonutritional Markers and the Protective Role of Sternal Irrigation and Antibiotic-Impregnated Membranes in Sternal Wound Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Ebubekir Sönmez, İzatullah Jalalzai, Ümit Arslan, Alperen Yıldız, Furkan Çelik and Merve Çetin
Life 2025, 15(8), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081163 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 349
Abstract
Background: Sternal wound infections (SWIs) remain a significant complication following cardiac surgery. Inflammatory and nutritional status are increasingly recognized as key contributors to their development. This study aimed to investigate the predictive utility of immunonutritional biomarkers and to evaluate the protective effect of [...] Read more.
Background: Sternal wound infections (SWIs) remain a significant complication following cardiac surgery. Inflammatory and nutritional status are increasingly recognized as key contributors to their development. This study aimed to investigate the predictive utility of immunonutritional biomarkers and to evaluate the protective effect of combining sternal irrigation with an antibiotic-impregnated membrane. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 480 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were categorized based on sternal management strategy (standard closure or local prophylaxis using gentamicin-enriched irrigation combined with an antibiotic-impregnated fascia lata membrane) and according to the severity of SWIs, classified as superficial or deep. Inflammatory and nutritional markers—including C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophils, lymphocytes, albumin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI)—were assessed at three time points: preoperatively, on postoperative day 3, and after week 1. Results: SWIs were observed in 93 patients, including 75 superficial and 18 deep infections. The combined prophylactic approach was associated with a nearly 1.8-fold reduction in deep SWIs (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.15–0.87) and a modest reduction in superficial infections (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.5–1.3; p = 0.061). Threshold values of 3.75 for preoperative NLR, 9.8 for ΔNLR, and 16.7 for ΔCAR demonstrated strong predictive capacity for identifying patients at increased risk of developing deep SWIs. Patients receiving local prophylaxis exhibited significantly lower CRP, NLR, and CAR values and higher PNI levels at all time points. Conclusions: The combination of sternal irrigation and local antibiotic prophylaxis appears to confer protection against SWIs, potentially by mitigating postoperative inflammation. Immunonutritional biomarkers offer a promising means for early risk stratification. To confirm their clinical utility and broader applicability, these results should be validated in prospective, multicenter studies encompassing a wider range of cardiac surgical procedures. Full article
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18 pages, 1154 KiB  
Article
Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Cardiac Surgery Using Combined Clinical, Laboratory, and Echocardiographic Parameters: A Machine Learning Approach
by Mladjan Golubovic, Velimir Peric, Marija Stosic, Vladimir Stojiljkovic, Sasa Zivic, Aleksandar Kamenov, Dragan Milic, Vesna Dinic, Dalibor Stojanovic and Milan Lazarevic
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081323 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 292
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Despite significant advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) remain a leading cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic valve replacement. Accurate preoperative risk stratification is essential [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Despite significant advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) remain a leading cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic valve replacement. Accurate preoperative risk stratification is essential yet often limited by models that overlook atrial mechanics and underutilized biomarkers. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to develop an interpretable machine learning model for predicting perioperative MACE by integrating clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic features, with a particular focus on novel physiological markers. A retrospective cohort of 131 patients was analyzed. An Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifier was trained on a comprehensive feature set, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAPs) were used to quantify each variable’s contribution to model predictions. Results: In a stratified 80:20 train–test split, the model initially achieved an AUC of 1.00. Acknowledging the potential for overfitting in small datasets, additional validation was performed using 10 independent random splits and 5-fold cross-validation. These analyses yielded an average AUC of 0.846 ± 0.092 and an F1-score of 0.807 ± 0.096, supporting the model’s stability and generalizability. The most influential predictors included total atrial conduction time, mitral and tricuspid annular orifice areas, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These variables, spanning electrophysiological, structural, and metabolic domains, significantly enhanced discriminative performance, even in patients with preserved left ventricular function. The model’s transparency provides clinically intuitive insights into individual risk profiles, emphasizing the significance of non-traditional parameters in perioperative assessments. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential clinical value of combining advanced echocardiographic, biochemical, and machine learning tools for individualized cardiovascular risk prediction. While promising, these findings require prospective validation in larger, multicenter cohorts before being integrated into routine clinical decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Intensive Care/ Anesthesiology)
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12 pages, 1214 KiB  
Article
Quadruple Fenestrated Stentgrafts for Complex Aortic Aneurysms: Outcomes of Non-Stented Celiac Artery Fenestrations
by Daniela Toro, Kim Bredahl, Katarina Björses, Tomas Ohrlander, Katja Vogt and Timothy Resch
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5189; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155189 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 268
Abstract
Background: Fenestrated stentgrafting has become a first-line treatment for juxtarenal aneurysms, and the incorporation of all renovisceral vessels with fenestrations has become common to increase the proximal sealing zone. This increases the complexity of the repair compared to using fewer fenestrations, and [...] Read more.
Background: Fenestrated stentgrafting has become a first-line treatment for juxtarenal aneurysms, and the incorporation of all renovisceral vessels with fenestrations has become common to increase the proximal sealing zone. This increases the complexity of the repair compared to using fewer fenestrations, and stenting of the celiac artery (CA), in particular, can be technically challenging. Objective: This study evaluates the mid-term outcomes of leaving the celiac artery unstented during quadruple fenestrated stentgrafting for complex aortic aneurysms. Additionally, it explores the clinical and anatomical factors that influence the decision to not stent the celiac artery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with complex aortic aneurysms who underwent elective fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) between 2018 and 2023. Custom Cook Zenith grafts were used, and all patients underwent preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) as well as follow-up CTA to assess the celiac artery. This study evaluated celiac artery anatomic factors, such as proximal and distal diameter; presence of stenosis (<50% or >50%) and patency; length of any CA stenosis; CA takeoff angulation, CA tortuosity, early CA division; calcification; and presence of CA aneurysm or ectasia anatomical abnormalities. Recorded outcomes of CA instability included any stent stenosis, target vessel occlusion, reintervention, or endoleak (types 1C and 3). Results: A total of 101 patients underwent FEVAR, with 72 receiving a stent in the celiac artery and 29 not receiving it. Rates of technical success (96.5% vs. 100%), intervention times (256 min vs. 237 min), and lengths of hospital stay (5.1 vs. 4.7 days) were similar between unstented vs. stented groups. At one year, no significant difference in celiac artery instability was noted (17.2 vs. 5.5%; p = 0.06). Risk factors for CA occlusion on univariate analysis included a steep takeoff angle (≥140°), length of stenosis >6.5 mm, proximal diameter ≤6.5 mm, preoperative stenosis ≥50%, and celiac artery tortuosity. Conclusions: Anatomical features of the CA impact the ability to achieve routine CA stenting during FEVAR. Selectively not stenting the celiac artery during FEVAR might simplify the procedure without compromising patient safety and mid-term outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aortic Aneurysms: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment)
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14 pages, 1467 KiB  
Article
GSNO as a Modulator of Vascular Tone in Human Saphenous Veins: Potential Implications for Graft Spasm
by Deniz Kaleli Durman, Nurdan Dağtekin, Erkan Civelek, Taner İyigün, Önder Teskin and Birsel Sönmez Uydeş Doğan
Life 2025, 15(7), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071139 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), a promising S-nitrosothiol, has been recognized for its ability to modulate vascular tone through its vasodilatory, antiplatelet, and antiproliferative effects. However, data on its vasodilatory effects in human vessels remain limited, and its mechanisms of action have yet to be fully [...] Read more.
S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), a promising S-nitrosothiol, has been recognized for its ability to modulate vascular tone through its vasodilatory, antiplatelet, and antiproliferative effects. However, data on its vasodilatory effects in human vessels remain limited, and its mechanisms of action have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of GSNO and its underlying mechanisms, with particular focus on the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/nitric oxide (NO) pathway and potassium channels in isolated human saphenous veins (SVs) obtained from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). GSNO (10−8–10−4 M) produced concentration-dependent relaxations in SV rings precontracted with phenylephrine. These relaxations were unaffected by NO synthase inhibition with L-NAME (10−4 M, 30 min) or NO scavenging with PTIO (10−4 M, 30 min), but were significantly reduced by the sGC inhibitor, ODQ (10−5 M, 30 min). Inhibition of ATP-sensitive (glibenclamid; 10−5 M, 30 min.), high-conductance Ca2+-activated (charybdotoxin; 10−7 M, 30 min), small-conductance Ca2+-activated (apamin; 10−6 M, 30 min), or voltage-dependent (4-aminopyridine; 10−3 M, 30 min) potassium channels did not alter the maximum relaxant responses to GSNO. Furthermore, pretreatment with GSNO (10−4 M, 30 min) significantly attenuated both the contractile response and sensitivity to phenylephrine. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GSNO exerts acute vasorelaxant and modulatory effects in human SV primarily via cGMP-dependent mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a local therapeutic agent for preventing graft spasm in CABG. Full article
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10 pages, 535 KiB  
Article
Gaseous Microemboli and Postoperative Delirium in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
by Vladimir Tutuš, Milica Paunović, Nina Rajović, Nataša Milić, Miloš Matković, Radmila Karan, Svetozar Putnik, Nemanja Aleksić, Danijela Trifunović Zamaklar, Marko Jugović, Ilija Bilbija, Selena Nešić and Dejan Marković
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 5123; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14145123 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 301
Abstract
Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a neurocognitive syndrome affecting patients undergoing surgery. It is a frequent complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and is associated with higher morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gaseous [...] Read more.
Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a neurocognitive syndrome affecting patients undergoing surgery. It is a frequent complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and is associated with higher morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gaseous microemboli (GME) load during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and subsequent POD in patients undergoing CABG. Methods: In total, 102 patients undergoing elective on-pump CABG were evaluated in this observational study. An ultrasonic microbubble counter, with probes placed on the arterial and venous lines, was used during CPB to evaluate the GME load for each patient. During the first postoperative week, the patients were examined for the presence of POD. Results: Patients diagnosed with POD had higher number of bubbles in the arterial CPB line (5382.8 (4127.8–6637.8) vs. 2389.4 (2033.9–2745.0), p < 0.001), higher volume of bubbles in both the venous (24.2 µL (16.8–31.6) vs. 12.4 µL (9.7–15.1), p = 0.004) and arterial lines (1.82 µL (1.43–2.21) vs. 0.29 µL (0.22–0.36), p < 0.001), lower quality factor (QF) values (p = 0.039), a lower venoarterial reduction in bubble number (83.0% (77.8–88.1) vs. 92.4% (90.9–93.8), p = 0.001) and a lower venoarterial reduction in bubble volume (88.8% (85.4–92.2) vs. 96.3% (95.2–97.3), p < 0.001) compared to the patients without POD. Older age (p = 0.005), a lower reduction in bubble volume (p < 0.001) and lower QF values (p = 0.004) were significant independent predictors of POD. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a strong association between GME and the occurrence of POD, which entails that all available actions should be implemented to prevent their generation and facilitate the elimination of GME from the CPB circuit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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8 pages, 482 KiB  
Case Report
Endovascular Treatment of a Symptomatic Vertebral Artery Aneurysm in a Puerperal Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
by Nikola Mirkovic, Marko Prokic, Nikola Prodanovic, Tamara Nikolic Turnic, Nikola Andric, Tijana Prodanovic, Neda Arsenijevic, Ivan Simic, Dragan Knezevic and Aleksandar Matic
Diseases 2025, 13(7), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13070226 - 18 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: Primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms are sporadic in the general population. They are uncommon in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1. During pregnancy or in the puerperium, the risk of aneurysm rupture in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 and extracranial aneurysms is elevated. [...] Read more.
Introduction: Primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms are sporadic in the general population. They are uncommon in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1. During pregnancy or in the puerperium, the risk of aneurysm rupture in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 and extracranial aneurysms is elevated. Rupture of a vertebral artery aneurysm is an emergency condition and can be fatal. Case presentation: We present the case of a 33-year-old woman in the puerperium with neurofibromatosis type 1 who had a vertebral symptomatic artery aneurysm. During a previous hospitalization, two months before the treatment of the vertebral aneurysm, a same-sided aneurysm of the thyrocervical trunk was successfully treated with endovascular coiling because of aneurysm rupture. In this case report, the vertebral artery aneurysm was successfully managed using a flow diverter stent graft. Conclusions: This is the first reported case of a successfully treated symptomatic vertebral artery aneurysm with a flow diverter stent graft in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 during the early puerperium. Endovascular treatment with a stent graft is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment for patients with vertebral artery aneurysms. Early diagnosis of non-ruptured vertebral artery aneurysms is a crucial as well as appropriate treatment, which should be undertaken in a timely manner to prevent serious complications or a fatal outcome. Full article
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13 pages, 2968 KiB  
Article
Neurophysiological Effects of Virtual Reality Multitask Training in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Study with Standardized Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (sLORETA)
by Irina Tarasova, Olga Trubnikova, Darya Kupriyanova, Irina Kukhareva and Anastasia Sosnina
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071755 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 325
Abstract
Background: Digital technologies offer innovative opportunities for recovering and maintaining intellectual and mental health. The use of a multitask approach that combines motor component with various cognitive tasks in a virtual environment can optimize cognitive and physical functions and improve the quality of [...] Read more.
Background: Digital technologies offer innovative opportunities for recovering and maintaining intellectual and mental health. The use of a multitask approach that combines motor component with various cognitive tasks in a virtual environment can optimize cognitive and physical functions and improve the quality of life of cardiac surgery patients. This study aimed to localize current sources of theta and alpha power in patients who have undergone virtual multitask training (VMT) and a control group in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A total of 100 male CABG patients (mean age, 62.7 ± 7.62 years) were allocated to the VMT group (n = 50) or to the control group (n = 50). EEG was recorded in the eyes-closed resting state at baseline (2–3 days before CABG) and after VMT course or approximately 11–12 days after CABG (the control group). Power EEG analysis was conducted and frequency-domain standardized low-resolution tomography (sLORETA) was used to assess the effect of VMT on brain activity. Results: After VMT, patients demonstrated a significantly higher density of alpha-rhythm (7–9 Hz) current sources (t > −4.18; p < 0.026) in Brodmann area 30, parahippocampal, and limbic system structures compared to preoperative data. In contrast, the control group had a marked elevation in the density of theta-rhythm (3–5 Hz) current sources (t > −3.98; p < 0.017) in parieto-occipital areas in comparison to preoperative values. Conclusions: Virtual reality-based multitask training stimulated brain regions associated with spatial orientation and memory encoding. The findings of this study highlight the importance of neural mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of multitask interventions and will be useful for designing and conducting future studies involving VR multitask training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience)
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12 pages, 4853 KiB  
Article
Clinical Utility of Duplex Ultrasonography in the Recognition of Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: A Single Center Experience
by Ahmad Mirza, Usman Baig, Munazza Khan, Shameem Beigh and Imran Gani
Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141766 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
Introduction: Renal artery stenosis can significantly impact long-term graft survival rates following kidney transplant. Early recognition and management can improve the longevity of the kidney allograft. We aimed to evaluate the clinical role of duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis [...] Read more.
Introduction: Renal artery stenosis can significantly impact long-term graft survival rates following kidney transplant. Early recognition and management can improve the longevity of the kidney allograft. We aimed to evaluate the clinical role of duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis (RAS). We also wanted to evaluate the current incidence of renal artery stenosis at our institute. Methods: A retrospective, consecutive series of 367 patients who underwent renal transplantation between 1 January 2020 and 30 December 2024 was conducted. We collected data regarding the recipients’ age, body mass index, and comorbidities. All patients diagnosed with renal artery stenosis were identified. The incidence of kidney transplant artery stenosis and presentation were recorded. All general physical parameters and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 28 patients had initial suspicion of renal artery stenosis, documented via initial dedicated duplex ultrasound of the transplanted kidney. The initial mean systolic BP at initial US was 151 (99–213) mmHg, and mean creatinine was 2.43 (1.28–6.38) mg/dL. However, on repeat duplex ultrasound, three patients showed no features of renal artery stenosis and had no physical parameters consistent with RAS. A total of 25 patients diagnosed with RAS on initial duplex ultrasound underwent angiography. Twenty-four patients were confirmed with RAS on angiography, while one patient had a normal angiogram. Among patients diagnosed with TRAS, the mean resistive index was 0.71 ± 0.17 at the upper pole, 0.73 ± 0.19 at the mid pole, and 0.71 ± 0.21 at the lower pole. The mean peak systolic velocity was 462.57 ± 166.28 cm/s. Conclusions: Duplex ultrasound is an important initial tool for diagnosing transplant renal artery stenosis. An increase in peak systolic velocity was observed in our cohort; however, resistive indices were largely within acceptable limits. Management should be guided by clinical parameters (e.g., elevated systolic BP and rising creatinine) alongside imaging findings. Full article
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